So, the final chapter is here! I loved reading your reactions, THANK YOU! A warning: I had a hard time preventing Gwaine from hijacking this chapter, my endeavour only partially succeeded… :)

Stunned would be an inaccurate description of the state the hall was in after the King ended his speech. It was far more than that. Half of the guests were looking around to find someone willing to pinch them to check if they were dreaming. The others were busy inspecting the food and beverages with the utmost suspicion.

That only lasted for about half a minute. Then the noise started and Arthur was dragged into endless discussions, bursts of outrage and general confusion. Somewhere in the chaos Merlin disappeared.

It took far too long to calm everyone down and assure them that no, he wasn't enchanted and no, this wasn't a hoax and yes, this was final, he was the King so deal with it. That Arthur almost lost his patience several times was no surprise.

Finally, after numerous reiterations of all of the above he managed to leave the rest of the feast in Guinevere's capable hands. He had more import things to do.

On top of all that it took far too long for him to find his friend. In the end he spotted Merlin standing at the battlements overlooking the entryway. His back was turned to the citadel so he didn't see Arthur's approach being too preoccupied with gazing up at the stars.

"Merlin?" The king raised unsurely when he was only a few steps away. Merlin turned around hurriedly wiping away his tears with his sleeve.

At seeing Arthur's concerned expression he hastily explained, "I can't help it. I'm so happy right now but I can't stop crying." He helplessly shrugged his shoulders smiling broadly.

Arthur sighed deeply. It contained a tad of resignation but mostly amusement. He spread his arms widely and signalled Merlin closer with an almost inconspicuous nod of his head, "Come here."

While being of similar heights it was still Merlin who buried his head against Arthur's shoulder and kept mumbling, "Thank you, thank you so much."

It was a bit awkward though, he thought as he patted Merlin on the back. It wasn't the hug itself – because honestly they both needed it. Besides, Arthur was already planning to blame it on the festive vibe in the air resulting in a momentary lapse of judgement. It could happen to anyone. Period.

No, it was awkward because Arthur knew he should be the one thanking Merlin. However judging the fact that his friend was still clinging to him like a vine ensnaring a tree, Arthur decided to leave his gratitude for tomorrow.

"You're such a girl sometimes." He said instead causing his friend to snigger and slowly release his grip. When they pulled back from the hug Arthur asked Merlin if he was all right without speaking the actual words. Merlin nodded reassuringly.

They both grinned stupidly for a moment and leaned back against the battlements. Merlin felt lighter than he had in years. The outside world hadn't changed. Camelot still had its fair share of enemies. Morgana for example was no doubt out there plotting murder and that wouldn't change now that Arthur legalised magic.

But this, being able to stand next to Arthur without the weight of secrets hanging between them as they both looked back at the lights of the citadel in companionable silence, changed everything.

"You're a hard man to find, you know." Arthur said after a while, "I feared you'd left."

"I wouldn't leave, not after what you just did. But…" Merlin found it hard to put what he felt in words. While it seemed like he'd been living up to this moment for his entire life, it still felt too easy in the end. The most cynical part of him was waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop. Arthur couldn't be this accepting.

"I don't understand why you would… Just like that." He turned his head slightly making eye contact, "I made mistakes."

"Without a doubt." Arthur acknowledged.

"I caused deaths and let others die." The warlock went on. Arthur rolled his eyes. Really, Merlin was pathetic at defending his own cause.

"Merlin, while I don't know anything about good magic I do know you. Well, not as well as I thought," Arthur admitted ruefully, "but I figured having magic was just another layer. It added to you but it didn't profoundly change who you are. You're still a bumbling idiot with a mental affliction. Now I have proof." He smiled before shaking his head disbelievingly and asked, "What were you thinking, Merlin? Coming to the one place practicing magic could get you killed?"

"You know why." Merlin said softly reminding him of a conversation long past that it was almost forgotten, "I was looking for a place to fit in. I did."

"You were planning on leaving however." Arthur raised.

"I am an idiot sometimes." Merlin conceded still smiling brightly.

"No truer words ever spoken." Arthur agreed and put his hand on Merlin's shoulder, "Come, the others are already waiting at the Round Table."

...

When they walked into the chamber – equally or even more beautifully decorated than the hall – Arthur did a quick headcount. Everyone was here already except for Gwaine. The others were standing closely together around a seated Leon for some unfathomable reason.

When Elyan turned and opened his mouth, the king immediately raised his hand and interjected, "If anyone so much as dares to bring up my speech I'll confiscate your gift and lock it up in the vaults."

He didn't feel like explaining everything tonight. And he knew Merlin felt the same way. Tomorrow would be soon enough. It was a new day after all.

"Arthur!" Gwen exclaimed sounding indignant as well as amused.

"Don't listen to the heartless man." She cooed and it was only then that Arthur realised Leon had something on his lap. It was a puppy, a grey tiny puppy.

For a moment Arthur had forgotten what he wanted to say since the scene before him was so disarming. He forcefully shook his head and tried very hard not to get sucked back into those big inquisitive eyes.

"I gathered already that nobody here has fundamental issues with my decisions. We'll talk more about it tomorrow."

Right then Gwaine sauntered inside looking way too smug for Arthur's peace of mind. He decided he didn't want to know. Fortunately before Gwaine had a chance to brag the knight noticed the little fur ball in Leon's arms.

He froze for a second utterly perplexed, "Someone got Leon a puppy? I want a puppy."

"You got a date." Elyan pointed out.

"So?" Gwaine shrugged his shoulders, "Look at that adorable face. And those ears, they're so fluffy!"

The puppy whined as Gwaine got closer and tried to bury itself deeper in Leon's embrace.

"Smart dog," Leon smirked as Gwaine looked devastated at the rejection.

"It's nothing personal." Merlin took pity on his friend and patted the knight's arm.

"How can it not be personal?" Gwaine asked despondently.

"You're too loud." Percival added to the teasing.

Guinevere interfered, "Well, now that everyone's here we can start. I imagine everyone's very curious who picked their name." That seemed to cheer Gwaine up a bit because he sat down very quickly. The others followed more leisurely.

"Raise your hand if you figured out who gave you your gift." Gwen said raising her own hand. Percival raised his hand immediately and so did Elyan, Gwaine and of course a still grinning Merlin. Gaius looked around the table once more before raising his hand as well, "I'm almost positive, but not entirely sure."

"Who do you think it is?" Gwen asked. They had to start with someone and Gaius just volunteered by speaking up.

"I think…" The physician contemplated out loud, "Percival."

Everyone turned to the large knight who nodded, "Good guess. You're correct."

"Gaius, what did you get?" Merlin asked curiously after the old man thanked Percival with much warmth.

"My boy, how could you miss it?" He first asked in return before answering, "A new and far more sturdier banister and staircase. I think I mentioned it once or twice in passing that I wanted to have it replaced, but I always forgot. Two workmen came to install it today. You were just on the other side of the door, how could you not notice?"

"Bit preoccupied with stuff." Merlin reminded him gently.

"Ah, yes." Gaius said and concluded, "Well, that worked itself out nicely."

"Okay, Percival," said Gwen as the mostly silent conversation between Merlin and Gaius died out after some shared smiles, "who do you think gave you a present?"

Before the knight could answer however Gwaine butted in, "I think we can all see what Percival got."

It was true, Arthur had noticed it as he sat down in his chair, Percival looked different. He had a brand new mail shirt on. And this one had sleeves.

"Elyan gave it to me." Percival said and looked utterly content with this rather practical gift, "I suspect you made some of it yourself?"

The son of the blacksmith nodded, "A month was not nearly enough to make the whole shirt from scratch, but I did the final fitting."

"Very nicely done, Elyan, did you reheat it for…" Gwen grilled her brother with detailed questions the rest had a hard time understanding. As sudden as she started she stopped because Arthur – quite gently of course – put his hand across her mouth.

"Guinevere, as always you baffle me with your knowledge, but Gwaine here is practically bouncing in his chair, so be a dear and stop his suffering." He said with the most boyish smile he could manage.

Gwaine coughed, "Flatterer."

Arthur ignored him preoccupied by the feel of Guinevere's lips behind his hand. She was smiling and the king quickly pulled his hand back before he lost his composure.

"Gwaine, your turn." Gwen said.

"Well, the person who picked my name was no other than the most beautiful woman is this room." Gwaine said and inclined his head respectfully, "My Queen."

"Correct." Gwen acknowledged, "I hope you enjoyed your day."

"It was, as some would say, only the beginning."

"I'm not following." Merlin raised confused.

"This afternoon I was presented with a rose and an instruction to give the rose to the person waiting in the other room. When I entered there was a table set for two, an obscene amount of burning candles and a harp player." Gwaine told and then turned his attention to Gwen, "I was confused for a moment though. I feared I had to give the rose to the musician. Luckily for me Lady Elaine arrived from another door and –"

"You stole my idea!" Arthur exclaimed indignantly and turned to his wife who blushed and leaned closer to place a kiss on his cheek. Her whispered words set everything right however. Arthur decided that getting his ideas stolen was a small price to pay.

"You were going to set me up with Lady Elaine ?" Merlin asked just as sudden.

"Not with her specifically," Arthur answered only now remembering the name of the lady who had sat next to Gwaine in the hall, "Just a girl. But Guinevere told me not to."

Merlin leaned forward and very obviously mouthed a thank you in Gwen's direction. Arthur tried very hard to ignore it.

"Wait, back up a bit. You picked Merlin?" Gwaine asked. Arthur merely nodded.

The knight turned his attention to Merlin, "Is that why you were crying earlier? Because Arthur messed up?"

"You saw that?" Merlin was horrified wondering when that sinkhole would appear to swallow him whole.

Gwaine didn't answer however and turned to Arthur angrily, "What did you do?"

"I- Nothing. I was –" Arthur stammered taken aback and helplessly looked to his right, "Merlin?"

"He didn't mess it up, Gwaine." He reassured his friend showing such a genuine smile that Gwaine's anger immediately deflated. Merlin told them all, "He gave me the best gift ever."

He glanced at Arthur who nodded encouragingly. The king was extremely curious what Merlin would do next. The warlock placed his arms stretched out on the table before him and folded his hands. Everyone leaned a bit forward to see if he was holding anything. Only Gaius wasn't surprised when Merlin whispered foreign sounding words and his eyes turned gold.

He opened his hands again and small balls of light appeared, one after the other, rising higher until they softly bounced against the ceiling. It was magical.

From the corner of his eye Merlin tried to gauge everyone's reaction. It was so obvious that even a fool could read their expressions correctly. There was shock and wonder, but there was no anger and no fear.

In that moment everyone understood. The hundred tiny lights dimmed slowly after a while and Arthur saw how the gold faded in Merlin's eyes as well but nobody spoke yet.

"Merlin…" Gwen whispered and wiped away some stray tears. It had been so beautiful. Her friend smiled at her silently promising to tell her everything.

Since Gwaine was still too gobsmacked to say anything it was Elyan who ended the moment, "Oh, now the last three hours suddenly make sense."

Leon snorted uncharacteristically causing the pup to yap and said, "These last past years suddenly make sense."

Arthur's gaze immediately swirled to him, "What did I say?" He asked sternly.

"Merlin brought it up!" Leon protested pulling the puppy closer and then challenged, "Are you going to take his gift back?"

Arthur looked at his friend contemplating for a second and then nodded, "I'll take the jacket back." He said it seriously but there was an upward tilt of the corners of his mouth that he couldn't quite quell.

"You gave me the jacket?" Merlin sounded surprised as well as delighted.

"Merlin got two presents?" Gwaine then spoke up.

Arthur rubbed his face tiredly. If their enemies could hear them now they would never be taken seriously again.

"That's beside the point." He argued.

"We're discussing gifts," Gwaine countered crossing his arms smugly, "I say it's rather relevant."

"Whatever," Arthur waved it away and asked, "Elyan, want to share? I believe it was your turn."

"I obviously got my gift from Gaius." The knight revealed and went on, "Before I returned to Camelot I travelled far. I must have mentioned that the one thing I missed from travelling south was a certain strong drink."

"You distilled alcohol?" Merlin blurted out.

"It was quite the challenge." Gaius admitted rather pleased.

"Why did you think it was Gaius and not Gwaine?" Gwen asked curiously. When her brother pressed his lips tightly together, she had to answer her own question, "Unless you know who Gwaine picked."

Now everyone turned their attention to said knight but he too remained silent. He was having too much fun keeping his gift a secret and said, "I believe it's your turn, Gwen."

"All right, Gwaine, but I'm really curious now." She tried once more but when he stayed tight-lipped she smiled to Leon, "You gave me my gift."

"I knew you would know immediately," he admitted. "But it seemed perfect."

"It was."

"What did you get, Guinevere?" Arthur asked.

"A book, you know we knew each other as children." She explained when she saw the general confusion. A book was not a gift one would give to a queen. "Sometimes Leon's mother would read us stories from this old book. They were fairy tales and it had beautiful pictures of dragons, castles, unicorns and so much more. I loved those stories."

"I've not looked at it in years and the cover was ruined completely. I had it bound again. I hope you like the new cover. The artisan told me an old storybook needed a new fairy tale." Leon said.

"It's perfect."

"What's on the cover?" Arthur asked.

"A sword in a stone." Gwen said and when she then whispered in his ear that they would read it to their children, Arthur felt his throat dry out. He swallowed harshly and coughed, "Well, now it's just you and me, Leon."

"Indeed, but meanwhile I figured out who gave me this little fellow." Leon gently put the puppy on the table and it cautiously took a few hesitant steps.

"I think it's cheating if you let the pup sniff around." Gwaine said just for the fun of it. There were only two persons left would could have giving Leon the puppy and since it wasn't him it was, "Merlin." Leon said as the puppy toddled over to him.

The warlock took the pup in his hands and scratched it between his ears, "Who's the good dog? You like Leon, don't you?"

The puppy licked his hand in reply and Merlin gave him back to the knight with a smile, "I got him from a woodsman. He didn't need a pup and well I thought a dog would suit you."

"Looks more like a wolf." Percival remarked as Leon stroked the little one's fur. It was quite hard for the others to decide who looked more pleased: the knight or his puppy.

"That means Gwaine picked my name." Arthur said. He seemed a bit dazed, Merlin noted with surprise.

"You picked my name." Arthur stated again as he looked at the knight. That was all he said however and now the others seemed to notice Arthur's shock as well.

"What did you get him?" Merlin asked getting a little bit worried. He knew Gwaine wouldn't really do anything to endanger his king but the knight's definition of danger and fun were very similar. Gwaine grinned widely and Merlin suddenly realized that he had no clue to what the other man had been up to.

"At first I thought of getting him a parrot," he started, "one of those exotic birds with brightly coloured feathers. You see, the smart ones even talk and well you have to admit it would be hilarious to have a bird who shouts 'Shut up, Merlin!' or 'Off with their heads!' at random times."

"Please tell me you didn't get him a parrot." Gwen said appearing quite dismayed at the conjured image. Gwaine however kept mum and Arthur was no help either to diffuse her worries. The king was trying very hard not to laugh.

"Gwaine!"

"Relax, I didn't." Gwaine raised his hands as a sign of peace and said, "I got him a painting. Well, for now I got him a sketch of a painting I commissioned. It takes more than a month to 'make art' or so I'm told."

"That's a sketch?" Arthur asked thinking back at the elaborate design he had admired earlier. Guinevere hadn't seen it yet and he had been racking his brains to find out the anonymous sender. To say he was surprised to discover it had been Gwaine would be an understatement. Since he had a longer time to process who had giving him the present he was already capable of speech. The others were still in a state of shock.

"Of what?" Merlin finally managed.

"Of us, all of us right here at the Round Table." Arthur told them all. It was an incredible thoughtful gift since he was quite proud of his accomplishments ruling Camelot. But he hadn't done it alone and that was something he was even more proud of. Now this fact had another chance to survive the passing of the ages.

"How did you do it? We didn't sit for a painting." Arthur asked. The knight suddenly looked embarrassed.

"You all remember the creepy guy?" Gwaine asked and continued when they all nodded, "He's the painter."

...

A couple of minutes later after Guinevere had thanked everyone for their efforts they all were ready to head out, some to bed like Gaius and others like Gwaine and Percival to continue their celebrations in the Lower Town. With some luck Arthur would get a few hours of sleep before having to explain his decision to abolish the ban on magic to everyone again. No doubt his speech had already spread like wildfire to the rest of the city.

"We should do this again in six months." Gwaine proposed loudly as he exited the chamber and then clasped Merlin's shoulder before the warlock had a chance to flee, "Summer's Solstice is a much better time to court a girl. Isn't it, Merlin?"

"What?"

"You do that light show once and I swear," Gwaine made a grand gesture with his hands, "a dozen girls, all falling for you."

"Ah, you're more traditional." The knight went on completely misinterpreting Merlin's expression, "One girl, the girl."

Arthur watched them leave, the knight's boisterous voice echoing in the hallway no doubt busy planning what he failed to do: getting Merlin a girl. His friend looked very uncomfortable when Gwaine steered him around the corner.

"Should I go safe him?" He asked Guinevere.

"Merlin can take care of himself." She answered.

"I wasn't talking about Merlin." Arthur clarified with a smile. With the ban on magic lifted who knows what could happen.

In the distance they heard a dog yelp immediately followed by a loud bang and laughter.

"I think it was a success, don't you?" Gwen asked as she linked her arm in his. They strolled leisurely through the castle enjoying the growing silence.

Done! :) I hope you enjoyed it and most importantly the gifts everyone got. It's a bit late to wish you a Merry Christmas so a Happy New Year instead!